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Targeted Stimulation
ONWARD Medical’s ARC-IM is an implanted neuroprosthetic system intended to regulate blood pressure and reduce autonomic dysreflexia in people with C3-T6 spinal cord injuries. Unlike the external ARC-EX device, it uses a neurostimulator and a 16-array epidural lead positioned over a lower-thoracic region the company calls the hemodynamic hotspot. A wearable belt recharges the stimulator and lets clinicians adjust stimulation.
Preliminary Findings
In a preliminary study of 14 people with SCI, the system produced immediate blood-pressure increases and reduced the frequency and severity of hypotensive symptoms, according to findings published in Nature Medicine. Analysis of self-reported symptoms across four clinical studies linked stimulation at the hotspot with fewer headaches and heart palpitations. However, participants saw no detectable change in goosebumps and sweating, warning signs some people use to identify problems.
Clinical Trial
Empower BP is an FDA-approved trial with 14 active sites, including 13 in the United States and one in Canada. The first participant was implanted at Craig Hospital in early 2026. ONWARD hopes to enroll 120 people and says approval could come in the second half of 2028 if the study succeeds.
